Filed to story: The CEO’s Wife Is a Secret Boss Novel (Allison & Jeremy) Free Online
Zoe wrapped her arms around Freddy’s neck, pressing her chest against his. With a pout, she said pitifully, “You’ll help me if I’m in trouble, right?”
Freddy’s desire flared up from her teasing, and he could barely hold onto his glass of red wine. He wished he could pin her against the railing and have his way with her right then and there. “Of course. I’m yours, Zoe. I’m happy to help with whatever you need.”
“You saw how Landon treats me, didn’t you?” Zoe whined.
“Yes, it was outrageous!”
“Not only did he treat me like that, but he also disrespected you. It really breaks my heart.”
Zoe stroked his face. “It’s all because of Lauren. She’s the one who’s sowing discord between Landon and me, leaving me with no place even within the Harper family. Freddy, please help me. I really need you.”
“How can I help you?” Freddy’s breathing quickened. “Tell me. I’m willing to do anything for you.”
Zoe asked coyly, “Anything? Anything at all?”
“Yes, anything!”
Zoe’s eyes gleamed with malice as she tiptoed to his ear and whispered something.
Freddy’s eyes widened in shock at her words.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere downstairs remained tense.
Jameson didn’t bother explaining. He simply adjusted his golden-rimmed glasses and watched Lauren with a slight smirk.
Lauren’s heart pounded. The man before her looked pale but menacing. His silence sent shivers down her spine.
“Jimmy,” Victor’s stern and low voice sounded, causing Jameson to turn slowly.
“Dad.”
Only then did Lily notice Victor approaching them. Panicked, she trembled and dove into Jameson’s arms.
Her Alzheimer’s was in its late stages, often rendering her unable to recognize even her own son.
But at the sight of Victor, all the painful memories flooded back, overwhelming her mind.
“Mom, don’t be afraid. I’m here. It’s okay,” Jameson comforted Lily patiently, holding her close.
“Jimmy, come here. It’s time for a family photo,” Josh urged coldly.
“Alright.” Jameson turned to Lily and said tenderly, “Mom, let’s take a family photo together.”
Victor’s expression turned ice-cold at his words.
“Hah! Jimmy, are you joking?” Josh sneered disdainfully. “This woman isn’t part of our family anymore. Who is she to stand beside Dad?”
Jameson’s expression was visibly cold, while his eyes were filled with simmering rage.
Josh uncovered a part of the Schmidt family’s scandal from back then.
Despite the disgrace it brought upon the entire Schmidt family, Josh was determined to embarrass both Jameson and Lily, stoking Victor’s disdain toward them. He wanted Lily to forever remain a despised whore.
The crowd gasped, intrigued by the unfolding drama. After all, who wouldn’t be interested to hear gossip about a wealthy family?
“What does Mr. Josh mean by that?”
“Why does it sound like Mrs. Schmidt did something to hurt Mr. Victor?”
“I remember now!”
Someone recalled the scandal and said, “There was gossip back then in the magazines, claiming Mrs. Schmidt was keeping a lover on the side. She was caught in the act by Mr. Victor. That’s why she was exiled overseas.”
“Caught in the act?” Everyone was shocked.
“At that time, we didn’t have the internet. It was all newspapers and magazines. Within 24 hours of this scandal being exposed, all the publications with the story disappeared from the market. The magazine that first broke the news even went bankrupt.
“Come to think of it now, it might be Mr. Victor’s doing because he felt humiliated.”
“Doesn’t that only imply that Mrs. Schmidt really did cheat on him?”
Alyssa stared at Lily’s pale, terrified face, and her gaze turned complex.
Since Winston was close to Victor, Alyssa often visited the Schmidt family.
She always remembered Lily as gentle and humble. Given Lily’s less privileged background and the fact that the Schmidt family already had three children when she married Victor, the challenges of being a stepmother were all too apparent.
However, Lily was kind to all the children and especially devoted to Victor. Even Alyssa, at a young age, could tell how much she loved Victor. How could she have had an affair when life seemed good?
Despite being an outsider, Alyssa was willing to trust Lily. However, when the incident occurred, Victor didn’t listen to Lily’s explanation at all. He heartlessly drove her and Jameson out of the Schmidt family.
It was clear that the Schmidt family lacked empathy.
Growing up in such a heartless environment led the Schmidt children to be ruthless and deceitful toward each other.
“Lyse, it seems that Jameson brought his mom here tonight to demand justice from the Schmidts,” Jeremy whispered to Alyssa.
“Anyone would want to seek this revenge.”
Though Alyssa despised Jameson, she felt sympathy for Lily. Frowning, she shook her head. “But Mrs. Schmidt can’t handle this kind of stress. Jameson is really putting her in a tough spot, subjecting her to all sorts of criticism and stares.
“It’s only going to make her condition worse and could even push her to a breakdown. It’s so unfair to her.”
Lauren, beside her, nodded in agreement. “Alyssa, Mrs. Schmidt looks so distressed. If it were my mom, I’d only wish for her health and happiness.”
“Darling, you’re just too kind.” Landon squeezed Landon’s cheek, pulling her close. “But remember, not everyone in this world has a kind heart¡ªlike that bespectacled guy¡ªhe may seem nice, but he’s rotten inside.
“I get that you stood up for Alyssa to vent for her, but just remember, it’s best to steer clear of that guy in the future. Can you remember what I said?”
Lauren’s lashes fluttered as she nodded quickly. “Yes.”
“Good girl.” Landon placed a warm kiss on her smooth forehead. However, his eyes betrayed worry. When he recalled Jameson’s unsettling gaze toward Lauren, he felt a chill down his spine.
“Jimmy, I want to go home… I don’t want to stay here… Can we go home?” Lily clung to Jameson and pleaded like a child.
“Mom, just a little longer. We’ll leave after the family photo,” Jameson comforted her gently with hands on her shoulders.
“A family photo? Jimmy, are you kidding?” Josh sneered as he stared disdainfully at Lily. “Your mom is so sick, and yet you bring her here to embarrass herself publicly. Aren’t you just trying to gain sympathy?
“No matter what you do, it’s a fact that she betrayed Dad and committed those shameful acts. You can’t just erase that. Dad initially spared her some dignity by keeping things under wraps. Why did you bring her here today? Is it to shame Dad?”
The crowd was stunned.
“Josh, enough!” Victor’s face turned livid. He coldly glared at Jameson. “Jimmy, take her out of here now!”
“No way.” Jameson was expressionless.
Victor’s anger boiled over. “Jameson!” he spoke through gritted teeth.
“Josh, do you dare swear?” Jameson’s intense gaze locked onto Josh’s smug face. “Do you dare swear that you had nothing to do with my mom’s alleged affair and Dad catching her in the act at the hotel?”
Josh finally realized that Jameson was there today to settle old scores with him.
All eyes, including Victor’s, were fixed on Josh’s stiff face.
“Jameson, what nonsense are you talking about?”
Josh had seen his fair share of deceitful people and wasn’t fooled by Jameson’s words. He gritted his teeth and coldly retorted, “What does your mom’s infidelity have anything to do with me?”
“I’m asking you just one thing. Do you dare swear that my mom’s alleged affair has nothing to do with you?”
“Hah! Why should I swear to you? Who do you think you are?” Josh was unyielding.
Jameson smirked with pale lips, his eyes seemingly harboring a deadly storm. “Josh, haven’t you always wanted to reclaim the position of president from me? Let’s make a bet.
“If you dare swear that my mom’s alleged affair has nothing to do with you, I’ll hand over the position to you.”